UQ project improves genetics and efficiency for Vietnamese farmers

A collaborative project involving UQ`s School of Veterinary Science will improve the economic efficiency and overall performance of pig farmers in Vietnam.

The AusAID-sponsored Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) project aims to improve the genetics of local pig breeds by introducing Mong Cai breed pigs into the country’s small production herds.

The project includes member organisations from Australian Universities, Government Organisations and also local producer groups in Vietnam.

UQ Senior Lecturer Dr Darren Trott has been involved with the program since its inception and is excited about the economic improvements for small scale subsistence farmers.

“Introducing genetically-improved Mong Cai breeding stock will allow for pure breeding and exotic crossbreeding programs," he said.

"This which will result in significant benefits for small holder farmers if it can be aligned with an integrated farrow-to-finish management plan.

“The management plans which will be developed by the Australian-trained Vietnamese scientists will focus on health, husbandry, housing and nutrition."

Small holder farmers in Central Vietnam predominantly raise pig breeds such as Mong Cai, Mini pig, and SocHighland, which are well adapted to local conditions but have limited performance and economic efficiency.

Improving the genetics of local breeds by introduction of high performance Mong Cai lines will result in significant benefits for small holder farmers if they also introduce modern herd management techniques.

Six Vietnamese scientists recently completed an eight-week continuous improvement training program in Australia. Through a train-the-trainers approach, the management plan will now be extended to veterinary extension workers, commercial piggery managers and selected small scale pig farmers for successful uptake of knowledge and skills.

Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).

Further information/comment: Contact Darren Trott (3365 2985).